The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that the nomination of candidates for the 2026 Presidential Elections will take place on Tuesday, 23rd and Wednesday, 24th September 2025, at its head office grounds in Lubowa, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District.
The two-day exercise will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and will see aspiring presidential candidates present themselves before the Commission for scrutiny.
Strict Nomination Requirements
According to the EC, any person seeking to run for president must be a citizen of Uganda by birth, a registered voter, and at least 18 years of age. Candidates are required to present certified copies of academic qualifications showing they attained a minimum of Advanced Level education or its equivalent.
In addition, aspirants must demonstrate support from at least 100 registered voters drawn from not less than 98 districts or cities, representing two-thirds of the country’s administrative units.
Other requirements include a non-refundable nomination fee of Shs 20 million, proof of voter registration, recent passport-size photographs, and appointment of an official campaign agent. Independent aspirants will also be expected to select a campaign symbol.
Campaigns are scheduled to begin on September 29, 2025, immediately after the nomination exercise.
Tight Access Controls
The Commission emphasized that the nomination venue will only be accessed by invited and accredited persons. Each aspirant will be allowed a maximum of 20 persons, and only two vehicles, each carrying no more than 10 passengers, both of which must display Police-issued stickers.
The EC warned candidates against mobilizing large crowds or staging processions, stressing that such activities are prohibited during the exercise.
“The Commission strongly warns aspirants from mobilizing supporters to accompany them to and from the nomination venue, as processions are not permitted during this exercise,” the statement read in part.
For the incumbent President, who is also an aspirant, the law allows him to use facilities attached to his office.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force has released traffic guidelines for routes leading to and from the nomination grounds in Lubowa.
Post-Nomination Plans
Upon successful nomination, candidates will be given an opportunity to address the public through the media at a designated center at the venue. The EC advised those intending to launch their manifestos to do so in line with public assembly and traffic laws.
The Commission assured the public that the programme has been designed for efficiency, noting that lists of supporters have already been verified in advance.
Call for Calm and Order
The EC concluded by urging all aspirants, agents, and supporters to respect the guidelines to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and safe nomination exercise.
